I killed a lot of bucks during rifle season between 9 & 12. Most of these were forced movement from other hunters. Those that leave to eat lunch or just can't sit very long.

I have shot the majority of my bigger bucks within an hour of dark.
I shot one at 11 AM
I have seen a lot of movement during the rut In the late morning.

I hunt one area that doesn't get a lot of human pressure. During the rut any time of day is as good as any other. I see a lot of daytime movement of bucks.

During the rut I would suggest hunting as much as you can. It can happen at any time. It's the3 weeks you wait49 weeks for.